Assessment of Serum Iron and Ferritin Levels in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients: A Case-control Study in Bangladesh

Abstract

Background: Iron profile is an essential index for maintaining good health. Altered iron metabolism is associated with several diseases, including diabetes mellitus. Excessive iron accumulation in the body can lead to oxidative damage, affecting cellular structures and contributing to various complications. Given the rising incidence of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) in Bangladesh, studying iron profiles in diabetic patients is crucial to understanding the underlying mechanisms of the disease and its complications. Aim of the Study: This study aimed to evaluate the iron profile in T2DM patients in a tertiary care center in Bangladesh and compare it with healthy, age- and gender-matched controls, assessing the link between altered iron metabolism and T2DM progression. Materials and Methods: A total of 100 subjects were included in this study, with 50 diagnosed T2DM patients and 50 healthy controls. Anthropometric parameters such as body mass index (BMI), waist/hip circumference ratio, and blood pressure were measured. Blood samples were collected for biochemical analysis, including serum iron, total iron-binding capacity (TIBC), unsaturated iron-binding capacity (UIBC), plasma glucose, and HbA1c, all measured using a semi-automated analyzer. Serum ferritin was estimated using a chemiluminescence method, and transferrin saturation was calculated using the formula: serum iron (μg/dl) × 100 / TIBC (μg/dl). Results: The study found that anthropometric parameters such as weight, BMI, waist circumference, hip circumference, waist-to-hip ratio, and blood pressure were significantly higher (p<0.001) in T2DM patients compared to healthy controls. Biochemical parameters showed that plasma fasting glucose, HbA1c, serum iron, transferrin saturation, and serum ferritin were significantly higher (p<0.001), while UIBC was significantly lower (p<0.001) in T2DM patients. TIBC and hemoglobin levels were significantly lower (p<0.05) in T2DM patients compared to controls. Conclusion: Elevated serum iron and ferritin levels are key risk factors for T2DM progression and complications. Iron overload may contribute to diabetes pathogenesis. With the increasing prevalence of diabetes in Bangladesh, regulating iron levels is crucial to reduce complications and improve outcomes.